Study Desk

Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.

For, when we had come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without [were] fightings, within [were] fears.

And not by his coming only, but by the consolation with which he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind towards me; so that I rejoiced the more.

For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though [it was] but for a season.

Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.

For godly sorrow worketh penitence to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

Wherefore, though I wrote to you, [I did it] not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear to you.

For if I have boasted any thing to him concerning you, I am not ashamed; but as we spoke all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which [I made] before Titus, is found a truth.

And [this they did], not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us by the will of God:

I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.

And in this I give [my] advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.

But by an equality, [that] now at this time your abundance [may be a supply] for their want, that their abundance also may be [a supply] for your want: that there may be equality:

But thanks [be] to God, who put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.

For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went to you.

And not [that] only, but who was also chosen by the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and [declaration of] your ready mind:

Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have often proved [to be] diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which [I have] in you.

But this [I say], He who soweth sparingly, shall reap also sparingly; and he who soweth bountifully, shall reap also bountifully.

For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings to God;

Now I Paul myself beseech you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence [am] base among you, but being absent am bold towards you: